Royal New Ingerland Coast Guard

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Royal New Ingerland Coast Guard
Emblem-HMCG.png
Emblem of the Royal New Ingerland Coast Guard
Active 24 June 1911;
112 years ago
 (1911-06-24)
Type Coast guard
Role Maritime law enforcement
search and rescue
Size 866
Nickname "Mud Runners"
Patron HRH The Duke of Gelland
Motto Per Mare et Caelum
(By Sea and Sky)
Anniversaries 24 June
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief Geoffrey VII
Commander Colin Perrott
Commandant CDRE Grahame Hotchen
Insignia
Ensign HMCG Ensign.png
Mark HMCG Mark.png

The Royal New Ingerland Coast Guard (formally known as His Majesty's Coast Guard in the Dominion of New Ingerland; abbreviated to HMCG) is a maritime military force and branch of the New Ingerland Defence Force. The coast guard's responsibilities stretch across of a wide ambit including customs enforcement, border control, law enforcement, search and rescue, shipping inspection, environmental protection, and fisheries inspection. It operates across all of New Ingerland's territorial waters, covering an area of approximately 25,000 square kilometres.

Mission

The Coast Guard Act[1] which brought together the Lighthouse Service, Marineguard, and Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1910, states the mission of objectives of the HMCG are as follows:

History

Background

The modern Coast Guard was created in 1910, when Parliament merged HM Lighthouse Service, the Marineguard, and the Volunteer Coastal Patrol (VCP). Previously, the three services had operated independently of one another, having been founded at different times in the years after New Ingerland was settled. The Marineguard had been formed in 1836 to enforce customs duties and prevent smuggling. The Construction of lighthouses and other Aids to Navigation (ATON) in the 1840s and 1850s led to formation of the HM Lighthouse Service in 1860. Finally, numerous shipwrecks led to formation of volunteer lifeboat brigades in the major ports from the earliest days of settlement. These were consolidated by Parliament in to Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1876. Except for the Marineguard, the services were only partly funded by from the treasury. In order to meet expenses, the services were expected to raise additional funds by subscription drives and through dues levied on shipping.

By the 1900s, the situation of three independent services had become inefficient. The need to raise funds by subscription led to the services being poorly funded, much detriment of public safety. The Volunteer Coastal Patrol in particular was found to be incapable of responding during large storms and cyclones, in no small part due to the poor condition of life saving equipment, the poor training of the crews, and the need for more stations.

In response, Parliament passed the Coast Guard Act in 1910, consolidating the three services into a single body for the first time.

Early Years (1911-1930s)

The HMCG's early years were dedicated to preventing customs-busting smuggling of illegal contraband, such as alcohol and tobacco. The service operated cutters that were used to patrol the coastline, often working in conjunction with the Royal New Ingerland Police. The HMCG's efforts were successful, and the service quickly became known for its effectiveness in stopping smuggling attempts. In 1925, the HMCG made a significant seizure of illegal alcohol. The crew of the cutter Steadfast intercepted a vessel attempting to smuggle a large quantity of alcohol into New Ingerland. The contraband was seized, and several arrests were made. This event was widely publicised and helped to increase public awareness of the HMCG's work at a time when the service was little known about outside of maritime circles.

War Service (1940s)

During Great War, the HMCG played a vital role in the defence of the New Ingerland archipelago. The service was responsible for assisting in anti-submarine warfare and minesweeping duties, which were critical to maintaining the country's supply lines. In 1941, the HMCG cutter Courageous was involved in a heroic action against an enemy U-boat. The cutter was patrolling near the island of Hibernia when it spotted the U-boat attempting to lay mines in the area. Despite being outgunned and outnumbered, the crew of the "Courageous" engaged the U-boat in a fierce battle. Although the cutter was damaged, it managed to force the U-boat to retreat, preventing it from laying its mines.

Post-War Years (1945-present)

Following the end of the Great War, the HMCG resumed its peacetime duties. The service continued to play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of the New Ingerland archipelago's coastline and waterways. The service was involved in a wide range of operations, from drug seizures and clashes with illegal overseas fishing vessels to search and rescue missions and environmental protection efforts.

In 1969, the cutter Seagull intercepted a vessel smuggling a large quantity of heroin into New Ingerland. The seizure was one of the largest in the country's history, and the 'Seagull' and its crew received high praise for their role in preventing the drugs from reaching their intended destination.

In 1987, the cutter Swiftwind was involved in a high-speed chase, pursuing an illegal foreign fishing vessel that had been operating in New Ingerland's waters. The chase ended in a dramatic confrontation, with the Swiftwind and its crew successfully boarding the vessel and arresting its crew. The operation was hailed as a significant victory for the Royal New Ingerland Coast Guard in its ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing in the country's waters.

Notable Individuals

The Royal New Ingerland Coast Guard is known for its long history of courageous individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to the country. Some notable deeds by individuals include:

  • Captain Marcus Alistair, who served in the Coast Guard from 1922 to 1951 and was known for his expertise in navigation and seamanship. During the Great War, Alistair was responsible for training many of the Coast Guard's new recruits and was instrumental in developing new tactics for anti-submarine warfare. He was later awarded the Order of New Ingerland for his outstanding service to the country.
  • Petty Officer Sarah Jenkins, who joined the Coast Guard in 1995 and quickly rose through the ranks due to her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to duty. In 2005, Jenkins was part of a team that responded to a major oil spill off the coast of New Ingerland, working tirelessly to contain the spill and protect the local ecosystem. Her efforts earned her the Coast Guard Medal, one of the highest honours in the service.
  • Lieutenant James Wong, who joined the Coast Guard in 2010 and quickly became known for his bravery and quick thinking in high-pressure situations. In 2014, Wong was part of a team that intercepted a vessel smuggling a large quantity of cocaine into New Ingerland. During the operation, Wong was able to board the vessel and subdue its crew, preventing the drugs from reaching their intended destination. For his role in the operation, Wong was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal.
  • Chief Petty Officer Emma Park, who joined the Coast Guard in 1998 and has since become one of the service's most respected and experienced officers. In 2018, Park was part of a team that responded to a major tropical depression that struck the coast of New Ingerland, providing critical search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the storm. Her efforts were instrumental in saving the lives of many people caught in the storm's path.

These individuals, and countless others like them, have played a vital role in the history of the Royal New Ingerland Coast Guard, upholding the service's proud tradition of courage, dedication, and service to the country.

Culture

Sports

The Royal New Ingerland Coast Guard has a long-standing tradition of excellence not only in maritime operations but also in sports. The Coast Guard sports programme, whose participants are known collectively by the nickname, Mudrunners, is made up of six sector teams that compete in a range of sports and events, including cricket, huruball football, triathlon, swimming, and diving. These sector teams form the basis of sport in the service, and their athletes represent the Coast Guard in the service-wide team.

The programme was established in 1945 to promote physical fitness, team spirit, and camaraderie among Coast Guard personnel. The six sector teams are based in different regions of the country and represent the various Coast Guard commands in those areas. Each team is made up of both active-duty and reserve personnel, and they train and compete together throughout the year.

Many of the athletes in the programme have gone on to represent New Ingerland in national and international competitions, including the Pax Nova and the Ingerish Games. The programme is a testament to the service's commitment to physical fitness, teamwork, and excellence, and it continues to inspire and motivate Coast Guard personnel to push themselves to their limits both on and off the field.

Cricket

The cricket team is one of the most successful teams in the programme, having won several national championships in recent years. The team is known for its excellent batting and bowling, and many of its players have gone on to represent New Ingerland in international competitions. The team's success is due in large part to its suburb coashing, rigorous training regime, and strong team spirit.

Huruball

The huruball football teams are also a force to be reckoned within the competitions where they participate. The teams have won multiple county championships and has produced several players who have gone on to play at the highest level. The team's success is due to its fast-paced, high-intensity style of play, as well as its strong team culture and work ethic.

Athletics

The team's athletes are some of the fittest and most dedicated in the service, and they have achieved great success in both local and national competitions. The team's success is due to its rigorous training regime, as well as the team's focus on teamwork and camaraderie. Within athletics, the triathlon team is relatively new to the programme but has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with.

Water sports

The swimming team is another strong team in the programme, with many of its athletes achieving national and international success. The team's athletes are known for their speed and endurance, and they have achieved great success in both individual and relay events. The team's success is due in large part to its rigorous training regime and the dedication of its athletes and coaches.

The diving team is also a successful team in the programme, with many of its athletes achieving national and international success in diving competitions. The team's athletes are known for their grace and athleticism, and they have achieved great success in both springboard and platform diving events. The team's success is due in large part to its rigorous training regime and the dedication of its athletes and coaches.

Bases

The operations of the HMCG are divided in to five regional units known as Sectors. Each sector is headed by a Sector Commander responsible for mission execution within their area of responsibility. Each Sector is comprised of a number of smaller bases known as Coast Guard Stations. It here that most law enforcement and (non-aviation) search and rescue operations take place. In addition, each Sector also contains a Coast Guard Air Station, which are typically co-located with the Sector headquarters.

In support of the Sectors are a number of other significant bases including the Royal Coast Guard College at Mylestown, the HMCG Dockyard at Port Frederick, and the headquarters of the HMCG in Kingsbury. Numerous smaller training facilities can also be found.

Presently, the HMCG operates the following bases, stations, and other facilities:

Base Location
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HQ Royal New Ingerland Coast Guard Kingsbury, CENT
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg Royal Coast Guard College Mylestown, FITZ

Sector stations

Sector Lunen Island

Station Location
Axport, ILUN
Cape Haeckling, ILUN
Warnock, ILUN
Sommerville, ILUN
Port Bentley, ILUN
Southwell, ILUN
Evanbroke, ILUN
Cruxthwaite, ILUN

Sector Goodwood

Station Location
Beaury, WEST
Matateko, WEST
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Station Whakamarino Whakamarino, BEAU
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Station Ōtāwhao Ōtāwhao, BEAU
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Air Station Pohutu Pohutu, BEAU

Sector Corfe Harbour

Station Location
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Station Port Cod Port Cod, BEAU
Poundyard Bay, FITZ
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Station Corfe Harbour Corfe Harbour, FITZ
Newry, FITZ
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Station Port Waiparu Port Waiparu, ABNY

Sector Port Frederick

Station Location
Taurangohipata, ABNY
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Station Newport Port Frederick, ABNY
Regentsmere, ABNY
Deauville, ABNY
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Air Station Port Frederick Port Frederick, ABNY

Sector Vernon Bay

Station Location
Cape Ingleby, VERN
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Station Woolcaster Woolcaster, VERN
The Settlement, VERN
Te Piha, DEVX
Cooks Landing, DEVX
Southmere, DEVX
Hadleigh, DEVX
Wikt Globe Bullet.svg HMCG Air Station Roseheath Roseheath, VERN

Sector South West

Station Location
Bonshaw, WEST

Equipment

Cutters

Boats

Aircraft

Weapons

Rank structure

The rank structure and insignia is closely modelled on that of the Royal New Ingerland Navy, and is incorporated in to the unified pay grade system used across the New Ingerland Defence Force. Officers holding the rank of ensign (CO1) through lieutenant commander (CO4) are considered junior officers, commanders (CO5) and captains (CO6) are considered senior officers, and commodores (CO7) are considered flag officers. The Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard are the only members of the Coast Guard authorised to hold the rank of commodore.

Despite their close association, the Navy and Coast Guard do not share identical officer rank insignia.

Rank structure of the Coast Guard

References and notes

  1. Coast Guard Act (Public Act No. 21 of 1910).